I recently attended the "Wake up with Wellness" retreat that was held during the "Taste of the SYV"…read moreweekend. It was a crisp, cool, morning out Foxen Canyon Rd at Koehler Winery. There were Emu's wandering the property and our event was up on the Tree house Deck, right were the Emu's could wander around us. We participated in the Sound bath & Restorative Yoga portion of the retreat. There was also another mini retreat of 'Make your own' Essential Oils class going on simultaneously. The restorative yoga was a new experience for my husband and I, and we both found it to be very relaxing and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. After the yoga, they concluded with a sound bath healing with Lisa Jay, in which I had attended a sound bath healing with her before, and that is what drew me into attending this event. It was very healing, relaxing, and renewing to spend the morning with others, while Emu's made noises around us. There is nothing more grounding and uplifting than crystal bowls humming all around you, the sound reverberating throughout your whole being. I believe I drifted off at some point and didn't even realize I was outside in Los Olivos anymore, but transported to another world. If you haven't done a sound bath healing, I highly recommend it. I also think Yoga with Emu's could catch on, much like 'Yoga with goats.'.... If you haven't been to the Santa Ynez Valley, I highly recommend coming up for a visit, there is a sacred space out here, and to be able to attend this event was so special. The views around us, were breathtaking. VWC really thought of everything, after yoga and sound we were definitely thirsty and hungry. Kelly and her team even had a light fare that was provided afterward, there were snacks and Koehler offered a wine flight tasting afterwards, which was wonderful. VWC (Valley Wellness Collective) even included a small take home gift from the retreat. It was a beautiful way to celebrate taking care of ourselves, as self-care has been a new running theme for us. I look forward to what else Kelly and her team of Wellness Providers dream up next, at their next retreat/event. I am even excited about VWC Holiday Market coming up on the 23rd of November back out at Koehler Winery, (1pm to 4pm) celebrating local artisans selling their custom made wares. We really needed something like this in the Valley, and I'm grateful she (Kelly) has made it a reality here. It was well supported, and everything was well managed and effortless.

I really enjoy the classes and instructors at the studio…read moreFriendly atmosphere, friendly staff. Easy parking and reasonably price for a drop-in.

Very cute & inviting yoga studio. Dropped into a free community class & really loved the flow…read more Actually walked in a few minutes late which feels rude & embarrassing but even though the class was full the instructor kindly waved me in & made room for me. I think the instructor was Krista but not 100% sure... but she was really great though. Also loved the music playlist & whole overall vibe. Excited to return & try more classes whenever I'm in town visiting family. (The studio is located around back not off the main street how it seemed on the map. It was Sunday so everything seemed deserted but then walked around the side & back... there's a parking lot that the studio opens up from.)

Nice little place :) it's actually on the right corner of Walnut St…read more We typed in the address on google map and it totally just got us lost. So again, it's on the right corner of Walnut St. Had a misunderstanding on the class schedule and the lady who helped us was kind and helpful. They offer yoga, belly dancing, aerial yoga and I think acrobatic yoga too. Will go back and try their aerial yoga! --- Aerial yoga is fun and they are very attentive. Limited spots on Saturdays so call ahead, they also have it on Thursdays. Staff is super friendly and attentive!!:)

I did my certified yoga teacher training here and I've been teaching in SB and Goleta ever since!…read moreIt was one of the best experiences of my life. The training is cozy and intimate, you get a lot of personalized attention, and there is a super supportive vibe. They serve really yummy, healthy snacks & tea too which I loved- I am a total foodie- I even learned how to make some of these recipes from the owner Sue Anne. Both Sue Anne and her husband Jim have mentored and guided me ever since. They helped me get teaching positions literally as soon as I graduated the training. I would highly recommend their training and coming to classes at their studio!

I obtained my basic yoga certification from Let it Go Yoga, and it was…read morea wonderful experience. Sue Anne and Jim Parsons have probably trained more than half the yoga instructors in town. They are totally supportive and encouraging, attentive to individuals, relaxed yet very professional. Highly recommend their teaching.

From coach to athlete, it's clear everyone here in on a mission. The coaches truly care about you…read moreand set you up to succeed. The athletes are also nothing but awe inspiring, and camaraderie at this box is unlike any other I've attended.

We were drawn to CrossFit Ohana by its name and positive reviews. We stumbled onto it by chance…read morewhile visiting the Central Coast from Hawaii. We were welcomed into the box by owner Darren Savella as if we were family or ohana. We even met his wife, daughter & parents. Had a great WOD and got great tips from coach Vic. In addition to training tips, he recommended a stop to see the elephant seals in San Simeon (which we did & loved!). We really enjoyed the positive vibes of friendly members, the community feeling of CF Ohana, and all the cool Ohana gear. Got shirts & socks as a souvenir. It was a bonus to see Darren do 15.3 with a cheering section of family, members & coaches.

La Purísima Mission State Historic Park in Lompoc is one of the most fascinating and immersive…read moredestinations you can visit. It is the most fully restored of all 21 California missions. Established as the 11th mission in the chain, it is by far one of my top favorites, probably second to Santa Barbara, really! It's absolutely beautiful, as you will soon read. It was actually destroyed by an earthquake in 1812 and was rebuilt at its current location. Today, you can explore over 20 reconstructed buildings, including the church, workshops, living quarters, and blacksmith shop, that reflect the daily life of both the people who lived and worked here. The park is open almost every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, and it's perfect for both self-guided and docent-led tours. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM and provides helpful information and exhibits to get you started. I highly recommend a docent-led tour, the docents are so incredibly knowledgeable, and there's so much to learn about this historic site. On Demonstration Days, which take place several times a year, the mission hosts hands-on living history events, including blacksmithing, weaving, and candle-making. I look forward to visiting during Demonstration Days. I seriously can't wait to get back here. The grounds are large, rural, and so peaceful. There's a nearly three-mile trail loop. Parking is $6 per vehicle and $5 for seniors. I saw several dogs, but it does get very hot, and they are only allowed on the designated trails, not in the buildings, for obvious reasons. There are tons of animals, too. There were horses, steers, chickens, and more. Do not miss La Tienda, the mission's gift shop, where you can pick up local crafts, mission-themed books, and souvenirs. The local crafts are beautiful. I highly recommend this site for a half- or full-day visit! Make sure to set aside enough time for this beautiful gem. The drive alone is so beautiful and serene.

I came to this park to do some hiking and there are many trails. I would be careful because I am…read morepretty sure I heard rattle snacks in the distance though the trail path is very large you probably won't find any unless you go off the path. I recommend checking out the visitor center before doing the trails because you can get good information as well as all the different trails in the given map. Parking - I paid $6 to park on their private lot. The money goes to help them maintain the state park but if you don't want to pay I saw many people parking right outside on the street across and walking down.

Allison is the BEST! Been taking classes for months and my body has literally never felt better.read more

Super clean spacious new Pilates studio in Santa Ynez. There are 6 reformers along with some other…read moremachines I'm not familiar with. I am a follower of lagree megaformer Pilates so not much knowledge about classical Pilates but I loved the group class I took today. Owner/Instructor Allison was super friendly and really helpful. The class is completely completely different from the megaformer but still gets in a good workout. Seems like it would be a good complement to the megaformer. There were some moves that crossed over but overall a completely different pace. I loved the constant constant form correction. Because there are only six reformers you really get the personal individual attention of a private Pilates class. I loved how Allison was really trying to get you to get the most perfect form possible. While I didn't walk out the class drenched in sweat like a megaformer class I def felt my abs burning. I am a fan and I'll be back next time I'm in town! P.S. Oh I almost forgot...there is some cute gear in the shop too. Walked away with some cute toe sox and a long sleeve top!

I have been participating in this "camp" for almost a week (2 more days to go), and already I've…read moreachieved my weight loss goal of 5 pounds. But that is a side issue. Every morning there are hikes that will push you to work, and have views that are amazing. In the afternoons, you'll have workouts (yoga, dance, TRX, interval training) and massages. The combination of the Bacara resort luxury, the views, the friendly people, and the qualified, trained staff make this a reputable, trustworthy fitness retreat. As soon as they get some of their details straightened out (shifting schedule, order of classes) I will switch to a 5 star rating. As a new company, I'd say they are going to do really well, as all the components are in place for a well-rounded experience. Oh, did I mention the wine tasting, lectures, personalized gait/ posture assessments, harbor cruise, and more more more??!!!

i cant say anythoing good about thi camp. I have been to many hiking camps, weight loss camps…read more Very disorganized ! The staff is all partime, and has no idea of what they are doing. THere is tremendous lack of organization and none of it makes sense. I came here because I could not get inot the other programs and I really needed to get a kick start. Thie hiking is good and that is where it ends. No fulltime help no cohesiveness. The owner is not organized and does not know what he is coing. He gives one person one price and another another price. This camp is deligated to college part time students. Dinners are sometimes in the hotel sometimes out of the hotel with no restriction on eating which is not for me. I would not come back !